Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) systems can be used to estimate the temperature along optic fibers of several kilometers at a sub-meter interval. DTS systems function by shooting laser pulses through a fiber and measuring its backscatter intensity at two distinct wavelengths in the Raman spectrum. The scattering-loss coefficients for these wavelengths are temperature-dependent, so that the temperature along the fiber can be estimated using calibration to fiber sections with a known temperature. A new calibration approach is developed that allows for an estimate of the uncertainty of the estimated temperature, which varies along the fiber and with time. The uncertainty is a result of the noise from the detectors and the uncertainty in the calibrated parameters that relate the backscatter intensity to temperature. Estimation of the confidence interval of the temperature requires an estimate of the distribution of the noise from the detectors and an estimate of the multi-variate distribution of the parameters. Both distributions are propagated with Monte Carlo sampling to approximate the probability density function of the estimated temperature, which is different at each point along the fiber and varies over time. Various summarizing statistics are computed from the approximate probability density function, such as the confidence intervals and the standard uncertainty (the estimated standard deviation) of the estimated temperature. An example is presented to demonstrate the approach and to assess the reasonableness of the estimated confidence intervals. The approach is implemented in the open-source Python package "dtscalibration".Many Pasteurella multocida strains are carried as commensals, while some cause disease in animals and humans. Some type D strains cause atrophic rhinitis in pigs, where the causative agent is known to be the Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT). PMT activates three families of G-proteins-Gq/11, G12/13, and Gi/o-leading to cellular mitogenesis and other sequelae. The effects of PMT on whole animals in vivo have been investigated previously, but only at the level of organ-specific pathogenesis. We report here the first study to screen all the organs targeted by the toxin by using the QE antibody that recognizes only PMT-modified G-proteins. Under our experimental conditions, short-term treatment of PMT is shown to have multiple in vivo targets, demonstrating G-alpha protein modification, stimulation of proliferation markers and expression of active β-catenin in a tissue- and cell-specific manner. This highlights the usefulness of PMT as an important tool for dissecting the specific roles of different G-alpha proteins in vivo.Benign biliary strictures can be difficult to manage. Untreated biliary strictures can lead to complications, such as chronic cholestasis, jaundice, recurrent sepsis, and secondary biliary cirrhosis, which can have severe ramifications. The management landscape is constantly evolving, with the development of modifiable self-expandable metal stents and biodegradable stents. This review critically appraises current endoscopic treatment strategies, in particular focusing on the shortfalls, such as stent migration and stricture recurrence. It also proposes a treatment algorithm based on aetiologias and the location of the strictures.BACKGROUND While peer support interventions have shown to benefit adults with certain chronic conditions, there is limited evidence on its feasibility and effectiveness among people with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This paper describes the outcomes of a pre-post feasibility trial of "PEeR SUpport program for ADults with mEtabolic syndrome" (PERSUADE), an evidence-based and community-specific nutrition and lifestyle behavior peer support program for Malaysian adults with MetS. METHODS We recruited 48 peers (median age 46 (IQR = 11) years old) into four peer groups, who underwent 3 months of PERSUADE, followed by 3 months of follow-up period. Statistical analyses were conducted at post-intervention and post-follow-up to assess the changes in nutrition intake, anthropometry, and metabolic parameters. RESULTS Although there were significant overall increases in total carbohydrate intake and glycemic load (both p less then 0.001), we noted significant reductions in the intakes of total energy and fat (both p less then 0.001). Physical activity (total METS/week) also showed a significant improvement (p less then 0.001). Overall, significant but marginal improvements in anthropometric and vital metabolic parameters were also observed. CONCLUSIONS The feasibility trial supported the adoption of PERSUADE, though there is a need to assess the long-term impact of the peer support program in local community settings.Chemical defoliation is an important part of cotton mechanical harvesting, which can effectively reduce the impurity content. Thidiazuron (TDZ) is the most used chemical defoliant on cotton. To better clarify the mechanism of TDZ promoting cotton leaf abscission, a greenhouse experiment was conducted on two cotton cultivars (CRI 12 and CRI 49) by using 100 mg L-1 TDZ at the eight-true-leaf stage. Results showed that TDZ significantly promoted the formation of leaf abscission zone and leaf abscission. https://www.selleckchem.com/products/DMXAA(ASA404).html Although the antioxidant enzyme activities were improved, the reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of TDZ increased significantly compared with CK (water). The photosynthesis system was destroyed as net photosynthesis (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), and stomatal conductance (Gs) decreased dramatically by TDZ. Furthermore, comparative RNA-seq analysis of the leaves showed that all of the photosynthetic related genes were downregulated and the oxidation-reduction process participated in leaf shedding caused by TDZ. Consequently, a hypothesis involving possible cross-talk between ROS metabolism and photosynthesis jointly regulating cotton leaf abscission is proposed. Our findings not only provide important insights into leaf shedding-associated changes induced by TDZ in cotton, but also highlight the possibility that the ROS and photosynthesis may play a critical role in the organ shedding process in other crops.